Smartwatch vs Smartband or Fitness Tracker: which one to choose?

Surely you are looking for a gift for these dates, and one of the options that you will be shuffling is to give away a technological device. Maybe you're thinking about buying a smartwatch or smart bracelet? Or maybe both? But knowing realizes the differences between a Smart Watch and a Smartband ... We tell you.

The world of wearables is vast and complicated. There are all types (Smartwatch and Smartband or Fitness Tracker), sizes, colors, and prices. What is Smartwatch? What is Smartband or Fitness Tracker? And, what is the difference between Smartwatch and Smartband or Fitness? Which one of the two should you buy? That's why in today's article I will talk about the differences of Smartwatch vs Smartband, trying to illuminate the way.

The differences that can exist between a Smartwatch and a Smartband are usually very relative. In some moments it is difficult to identify the difference as it can be in the case of the Gear Wear (a bracelet - smartwatch). But in general, each one has its own functionalities and differences. Which are? Now we tell you.

• Diesel ON Full Guard Review: Little Technology But Beautiful Design.
• Fitbit Ionic Review: Completely Fit

What is smartwatch?

As the word itself suggests are smartwatches. Their shape is closer to the classic of a normal watch and usually these devices are associated with the smartphone to perform the main functions. Smartwatches in principle all have a display that simulates the dial of a real clock with the hands or in digital. Thanks to the display we can also perform many other functions such as reading notifications, interacting with them, using the apps installed on the smartwatch itself or choosing a quadrant that fits our style. There are also hybrid smartwatches with true hands and smart functionality.

What are smartbands or fitness trackers?

All the connected bracelets or smart bracelets are called smartbands. In most cases, they have a simple form and their main function is to analyze your movements during the day. That's why on most smartbands we find a pedometer that can be joined by an optical heart rate reader and various other sensors. Smartbands are closer to the concept of a bracelet than to the watch, but there are smartbands with displays that can tell you the time and various other useful information.

Which one to choose?

The choice between smartband and smartwatch is very personal and there are some aspects to keep in mind. To understand which of the two products may be the best according to your needs, you will need to ask yourself some questions. First of all, are you interested in being able to read the time on your device? If the answer is yes, do not jump immediately to hasty conclusions because there are some smartbands with a watch as mentioned above. Are you also interested in monitoring your heart rate? Very well, nowadays many smartbands have this function such as the very valid Xiaomi Mi Band 2. Another question to ask yourself is: do you want to use the wearable every day or do you want to use it only when you are doing physical activity? Not only that, the last question is perhaps the most important of all: do you want to be able to interact with notifications?

The answer

The answers to these two questions are those that most move the balance needle between one category and another. Smartbands, in fact, are usually only able to warn you of the receipt of a notification while with a smartwatch you are able to read it and even interact with quick actions or voice commands. In addition, smartwatches have a design more suited to everyday life and can also be worn in special situations such as elegant dinners or meetings at work. On the contrary, smartbands are usually more conspicuous, sometimes colored and do not adapt very much to every situation but it depends on the model of course. Smartbands also have the advantage of having a longer battery life because they do not have a display to keep illuminated and do not have many applications and notifications to synchronize. One of the exceptions to this rule is, for example, the Gear Fit2 Pro, a smart band with a beautiful display and many apps to install.

Advantages and disadvantages of smartwatch and smartband

Smartwatch

Before buying your Smartwatch, check that it is compatible with your Smartphone. If you have an Android phone, the vast majority will be compatible, such as Sony, LG, Motorola, yes, also checking the version of Android that your terminal has. For example, Samsung watches have limited compatibility with other brands, many of their models are only compatible with Samsung, like the Apple Watch, which is only compatible with iPhone. A negative point of Smartwatches is the duration of the battery since it usually does not last more than a couple of days. On the positive side, we can say that "in most of them" in a couple of hours the load is complete.

Smartband

An advantage is that most Smartbands do not need to be connected to another device. To transfer the quantizing data that they collect, you have to connect it by Bluetooth. Of course, if we want to receive the notifications, yes we must have it connected to our phone. The battery is the strong point of these devices, lasts a lot more battery, days, weeks...

Final verdict

As you can guess there is, therefore, no clear demarcation line and there are many products that rank in the middle between the two categories. In any case, to be able to decide in a better way I leave you to our guides on the best smart bands and the best smartwatches we tested!

• The best smartwatch: which is more suitable for your wrist? 
• The best smart bands and fitness trackers to monitor your physical activity 

Now only your choice remains. Do not hesitate to comment with us which model is your favorite and for which you use it.
Which one do you prefer? Do you already own one? Your valuable comments will help us to make this article better. And, don't forget to share this news with your social friends. Thank you very much.